Press Room

New Survey: Bridging Technology and Nature Connects Children to Parks

(July 9, 2018)

Ashburn, Va. (July 9, 2018) — According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), nearly 70 percent of Americans agree that merging technology and nature will increase children’s desire to go to parks. This includes having free Wi-Fi, interactive digital displays and games, or map-based apps for parks.

Parents (77 percent) are significantly more likely than non-parents (66 percent) to feel technology may increase youth participation in park-based activities, which connect children to nature and each other, and provide numerous health benefits. Tech-savvy millennials (77 percent) and Gen Xers (71 percent) are more likely than baby boomers (61 percent) to agree that merging technology and nature will increase a child’s desire to go to a park.

“The negative effects too much screen time can have on a child’s development are well-known,” said Barbara Tulipane, CAE, NRPA president and CEO. “However, when used responsibly, technology can be used to connect children to their natural surroundings, especially in parks where opportunities to bridge technology and nature exist.”

This poll is part of NRPA’s Park Pulse, a continuing series of monthly surveys that gauge the public’s opinion on topics relating to parks and recreation. To explore previous Park Pulse survey results, visit www.nrpa.org/Park-Pulse.

About the National Recreation and Park Association The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity. Through its network of 60,000 recreation and park professionals and advocates, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.